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Ikena Oncology, Inc. (IKNA)·Q2 2021 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q2 2021 delivered modest collaboration revenue growth (+15% YoY to $3.55M) while operating loss widened due to ramp in IND-enabling work; diluted EPS improved sequentially to $(0.35) on a much larger share base post-IPO .
- IK-930 TEAD inhibitor remained on track for IND submission by end of 2021; multiple preclinical/translational data presentations scheduled for Oct 2021 EORTC-NCI-AACR, supporting indications and combination strategy .
- IK-412 IND timing was delayed by supply constraints for a key manufacturing component diverted to COVID-19 vaccine/therapy production—management will update timing once reliable supply is confirmed; this is the quarter’s negative surprise and a near-term execution risk .
- Cash was $264.0M at quarter-end with runway through 2023, supporting clinical starts and portfolio advancement (IK-930, ERK5, IK-175) .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Pipeline execution: “This work has further elucidated the potential of TEAD inhibition as a monotherapy and in combination… and enables us to further refine the clinical development strategy for IK-930” .
- Clinical progress in bladder cancer: “The emerging clinical data observed for IK-175 monotherapy… and the expansion of the cohort are great steps toward establishing proof of concept” .
- Upcoming data flow: IK-930 translational and preclinical data slated for EORTC-NCI-AACR in Oct 2021 (indication selection, Hippo pathway activation assessment; combination with MEK and EGFR) .
What Went Wrong
- IK-412 manufacturing supply shock: a key component was diverted to COVID-19 vaccine/therapy production, delaying the planned IND; guidance now pending reliable supply—raising execution risk on partnered program timelines .
- Operating intensity drove losses: total operating expenses increased 100% YoY (to $16.24M) and net loss widened to $(12.68M), reflecting heavier spend on IK-930 and IK-412 development, and public company costs .
- Sequential cash burn remained elevated: net cash used in operations was $15.7M in Q2 2021 vs $13.2M in Q1 2021, with YoY burn also higher ($15.7M vs $7.7M) .
Financial Results
KPIs and Operating Detail:
- Net cash used in operations ($USD Millions): Q2 2020 $7.7 , Q1 2021 $13.2 , Q2 2021 $15.7 .
- R&D expenses ($USD Millions): Q2 2020 $6.334 , Q1 2021 $10.021 , Q2 2021 $11.374 .
- G&A expenses ($USD Millions): Q2 2020 $1.798 , Q1 2021 $3.173 , Q2 2021 $4.862 .
- Cash and cash equivalents ($USD Millions): Q1 2021 $281.010 , Q2 2021 $264.004 .
- Deferred revenue balances (BMS collaboration) at Q2 2021 ($USD Millions): Current $22.472 , Non-current $26.268 .
Notes:
- Despite a larger net loss QoQ, diluted EPS improved due to post-IPO share count expansion, diluting per-share loss—an optical positive but not a profitability improvement .
- Collaboration revenue increased YoY, reflecting ongoing IK-175 and IK-412 activities with BMS .
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Note: No Q2 2021 earnings call transcript was identified for IKNA within available sources; themes synthesized from the Q2 press release and 10‑Q -.
Management Commentary
- Mark Manfredi, CEO: “This work has further elucidated the potential of TEAD inhibition as a monotherapy and in combination… and enables us to further refine the clinical development strategy for IK-930” .
- Sergio Santillana, CMO: “The emerging clinical data observed for IK-175 monotherapy in urothelial carcinoma and the expansion of the cohort are great steps toward establishing proof of concept…” with safety and preliminary anti-tumor activity update targeted for 2022 .
- Program updates included the IK-930 indication selection methodology and Hippo pathway activation assessment, plus in vivo tumor growth inhibition in lung/colon models for combinations with MEK and EGFR, separately and as triplet .
Q&A Highlights
- No Q2 2021 earnings call transcript available; therefore Q&A highlights and guidance clarifications from a live call are unavailable within our document set [List 0 transcripts in period].
Estimates Context
- Wall Street consensus EPS and revenue estimates for Q2 2021 via S&P Global were unavailable due to missing mapping for IKNA in the CIQ database; as a result, we cannot present beat/miss versus consensus for this quarter [GetEstimates errors].
- Implication: Focus on YoY and sequential trends; any future consensus reconciliation should be done once S&P mapping is established.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Collaboration revenue growth continues while operating losses widen from accelerated IND-enabling and increased headcount; expect sustained R&D intensity near-term as IK-930 and ERK5 advance .
- Bold near-term catalyst: IK-930 IND filing by end-2021 and October translational data—watch for indication prioritization (e.g., NF2-deficient mesothelioma) and combination rationale clarity .
- Significant surprise: IK-412 IND delay due to supply constraints—monitor remediation timeline; execution risk on partnered program could affect milestone optionality with BMS .
- Optical EPS improvement QoQ driven by share count expansion post-IPO, not improved profitability; adjust valuation frameworks accordingly .
- Cash runway through 2023 underpins program continuity; however, sustained cash burn (~$15.7M in Q2) suggests disciplined prioritization and potential BD optionality around non-core assets .
- For trading, near-term narrative hinges on IK-930 data flow and IK-412 supply resolution; positive translational readouts could re-rate TEAD pathway optionality, while prolonged IK-412 delay would weigh on sentiment .
Citations: Q2 2021 press release and 8‑K ; Q2 2021 10‑Q financials and MD&A -; Q1 2021 press release -.